Are your Waterslides Ready for the Summer Season?
Your water park attractions work hard to keep your guests happy, and with record-breaking attendance numbers comes critical maintenance needs to keep those rides working properly. RAW Custom Coatings is here to help ensure the continued enjoyment of your guests by maintaining your water slides. This month’s Coat Check blog covers the essential maintenance tasks for long-term operational success to keep your slides running smoothly.
A comprehensive maintenance plan ensures rider safety and comfort, extends the lifecycle of your equipment, and increases the curb appeal of the park. Heading into the season with an organized strategy for the maintenance of your water park can eliminate significant attraction down time and control costs.
Properly maintained water park equipment is proven to be more profitable and will provide years of uninterrupted service and keep your guests playing the way they are meant to – SAFE and FUN. By keeping your waterslides and their structures properly maintained, you will be ensuring high performance and high guest satisfaction. So, where can RAW Custom Coatings help?
1. Exterior Slide Coatings: Consistent exposure to the elements, particularly direct sunlight, can significantly impact the exterior of your waterslides. Over time, UV radiation leads to fading, often manifesting as a white haze on the exterior paint coating. If this deterioration is left untreated, the UV damage can penetrate deeper, exposing the structural fiberglass layers. This not only weakens the slide's integrity but also necessitates extensive and costly patchwork restoration. To decrease these risks, RAW Custom Coatings recommends regular exterior coating inspections every five years. However, the actual need for recoating is subject to the intensity of sun exposure and the specific chemical composition of your pool water. Consistent monitoring and timely maintenance are crucial for preserving both the appearance and the structural integrity of your slides.
2. Interior Slide Surface: Maintaining a smooth and visually appealing flume is crucial for a great rider experience, and regular upkeep will save you money on future repairs. The sliding surface is constantly exposed to wear, weathering, and mineral buildup. Over time, the gelcoat layer, which provides the smooth, protective outer surface of the slide, deteriorates due to constant exposure to water, chemicals, UV radiation, and the abrasive action of riders. This wear leads to a rougher surface, increasing friction, which can slow riders and even pose safety hazards. Resurfacing is a key part of maintaining waterslide investment and involves applying a new layer of gelcoat, restoring the slide's smooth finish, and effectively sealing it against further damage.
Depending on the age of the waterslides and maintenance schedule, a “Clean, Buff and Wax” can prolong the need for resurfacing. Waxing protects against fading and buildup, especially seasonally or every three months for heavy use. However, calcium deposits and chemical damage can still occur. When fading happens, restoration through sanding, polishing, and sealing can help revive the slide, postponing full resurfacing. In essence, interior surface maintenance is a proactive measure that preserves the slide's performance, appearance, and structural integrity.
3. Slide Joints: Ensure a smooth, enjoyable ride for your guests by maintaining your waterslide joints. These joints are crucial for rider comfort, safety, and overall satisfaction. Daily temperature fluctuations cause waterslide sections to naturally expand and contract, which can lead to joint deformation, cracking, or chipping over time. Plus, pool chemicals can degrade the caulking that seals these joints, resulting in leaks and gaps that create an uncomfortable ride. Regular re-caulking every year is essential to prevent these issues. This simple maintenance task can be easily handled by your internal team to not only restore a smooth sliding surface but also protect the slide from corrosion and deterioration caused by water infiltration, ultimately extending its lifespan and minimizing costly repairs.
4. Towers, Stairways, Pathways Remediation: The water slide experience begins the moment guests start their climb to embark on the thrilling adventure of riding a water slide. Ensuring their safety and comfort on the way up is crucial, whether it's a slide tower or a play structure's stairwells and decks. As these structures age, they face weathering, chemical damage, rust, and corrosion. Regular maintenance, including reconditioning or replacement of problem areas on waterslide towers, is essential. A clean and safe ascent sets the stage for a positive experience, literally from the first step. To protect both guests and structures, RAW Custom Coatings thoroughly inspects for rust and applies specialized coatings to restore steel areas, creating a new protective barrier.
Ultimately, a comprehensive maintenance strategy, that includes exterior coatings, interior surfaces, slide joints, and structural components like towers and stairways, is not just about keeping your waterslides operational; it's about safeguarding your investment and enhancing your park's overall appeal.
RAW Custom Coatings provides the expertise to ensure your attractions not only function flawlessly but also maintain their vibrant, inviting appearance. By proactively addressing wear and tear, combating the elements, and restoring surfaces, you'll extend the lifespan of your waterslides, minimize costly repairs, and essentially, cultivate a visually stunning and safe environment that keeps guests returning season after season. Prioritizing both longevity and curb appeal ensures your water park remains a premier destination, where every detail contributes to a memorable experience.
Need help getting your waterslides ready for the season? Contact RAW Custom Coatings today for a consultation! Our experts can conduct a thorough inspection of your waterslides and guide you through an annual custom maintenance package, tailored to your specific needs. Our packages include detailed reporting and proactive repairs, guaranteeing your slides are ready for peak performance.
Let our maintenance crew keep your slides vibrant for years to come.